mathews



March 17, 1964 1.. E. MATHEWS DEVICE FOR CLEANING SEWERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 30, 1960 5 ON om n mm 0 a W on 5 $0M 0| 9% 4 mw QT INVENTOR LEWIS E. MATHEWS ATTORNEYS March 17, 1964 E. MATHEWS 3,124,321

DEVICE FOR CLEANING SEWERS Filed Nov. 30, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. law/3 frfiesfffiaf/zzws fJALML 6125 ATTORNEYS March 17, 1964 L. E. MATHEWS 3,124,821

DEVICE FOR CLEANING SEWERS Filed Nov. 50, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIGII FIGIO INVENTOR.

LEWIS ERNEST MATHEWS ATTORNEYS March 17, 1964 L. E. MATHEWS DEVICE FOR CLEANING SEWERS Filed Nov. 30, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,124,821 DEVIQE FDR CLEANING SEWERS Lewis E. Mathews, (Zolnrnhus, Ohio, assignor to U. ilhert Whit-sis and Le Roy J. Schneider, Coiumbns, (Dino Fiied Nov. 3d, 1969, Ser. No. 825% Ciaims. (Qt. 15-lti4.16)

This invention relates to an apparatus for clearing obstructions in passageways and more particularly to a novel tool for efficiently extracting the accumulation of mate rials adhered to the interior surfaces of sewers and the like.

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Serial No. 799,539 filed March 16,1959 and now abandoned which is in turn a continuation-m-part of co-pending application Serial No. 766,884 filed October 13, 1958 and now abandoned.

In general, the present invention includes a main frame, preferably cylindrically formed, carrying a plurality of edged members on the outer surface thereof. The frame also includes a conventional connector at each end thereof for engageably connecting a cable, or the equivalent, in force transmitting relationship to a prime mover.

In accordance with the present invention the edged members are of novel configuration and arranged in longitudinally spaced groups of circumferentially spaced cutters that are inclined to impart rotation to said apparatus. In addition, the front edges of each cutter is circumferentially advanced in the direction of rotation of the apparatus with respect to the cutter next ahead of it. This unique arrangement presents all cutting edges most eifectively to the obstructing material whereby the eificiency of the apparatus is greatly increased.

As another aspect of the present invention the cutters are provided with cutting edges formed by beveled surfaces lying in planes substantially coextensive with the longitudinal axis of said frame means.

As another aspect of the present invention the cutters are provided with cutting edges that include hard coated outer tips.

As still another aspect of the present invention the apparatus, in one of its embodiments, may include a hollow chamber containing a plurality of small removable weights in the form of shot or the like.

it should be pointed out that the diameter of a circle, circumscribing each of the members disposed along the periphery of the main frame in ring-like fashion, is substantially equal to but less than the inside diameter of the passageway or sewer being cleared of obstructions. Thus the type and/ or size of the passageway or sewer to be cleared dictates the type and size of the apparatus to be used to remove the obstructions therein.

The present invention may be grouped to form a composite of one or more of the instant apparatuses, when necessary, to expedite the clearing of the passageway. It is pointed out that such an assembly can consist of an array of progressively smaller sizes of the apparatus in the direction in which such an array is moved through the passageway.

With this in mind it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel apparatus of the type described herein for efficiently clearing obstructions in passageways and the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for clearing obstructions in passageways that is efficient in operation, compact for storage and transportation, and economical in maintenance and manuture.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein 3,124,821 Patented Mar. 1 7, 1 964 preferred forms of embodiments of the invention are clearly shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, partially in section, showing apparatus comprising a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial side elevational view showing the details of a cutter construction comprising a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial top elevational View showing the details of the cutter construction of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial end sectional vie-w of the apparatus of FIG. 3, the section being taken along the line '55 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modified blade portion of a cutter means constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the blade portion of FIG. 6, the section being taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a second modified blade portion constructed in accordance with the present invention;

PEG. 9 is a sectional view of the blade portion of FIG. 8, the section being taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FiG. 10 is a plan view of a third modified blade portion constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an end elevational view of the blade portion of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an end elevational view of another modified blade construction in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the blade construction of FIG. 12, the section being taken along the line 1313 of FIG. 12.

The apparatus of the present invention is indicated generally at 34) in FIG. 1 and includes a central section 32, preferably cylindrically shaped but not necessarily limited thereto, and end sections 34. The end sections are preferably conical in shape, although other structural equivalents are equally adaptable, and are integrally connected to central section 32 at each end thereof. Sections 34 each includes an opening 36 at the outer end thereof in which a shaft 38 is carried. The shaft extends outwardly from end sections 34 and is provided with a conventional connector 4d at each end. Collars 4-2 are carried on shaft 33 intermediate connectors 40 and outwardly of apparatus 3%? and serve to distribute a force to apparatus 3d at one end thereof upon exerting said force on shaft 33 at an opposite end thereof.

With specific reference to FIG. 2, connector it) is rotatably connected at each end of shaft 38 at a threaded portion, not shown. A pin 44 extends through connector 4%} and shaft 38 and serves to prevent connector 46 from being removed from shaft 38 by the rotating or spinning action of apparatus 39 during operation thereof.

Referring again to FIG. 1, central body section 32 carries a front plurality of cutters 5%, an intermediate plurality of cutters-Sti-A, and a rear plurality of cutters 5MB. Each of the cutters includes a flange or blade portion 20 that is axially inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the tool whereby rotation is imparted to the tool as the inclined blades engage and cut through the debris.

Each of the blades $4} includes a leading edge 51 and a trailing edge 49, said edges being formed by beveled surfaces that lie in planes substantially coextensive with the longitudinal axis of the frame means 26.

It should further be pointed out that each leading edge 51 is circumferentially advanced in the direction of rota- E tion relative to the leading edge 51 on the blade next in front of it. For example, leading edge 51 on cutter 56-13 is advanced relative to leading edge 51 on cutter Sil-A, the latter being advanced relative to the leading edge of cutter 56.

Reference is next made to FIG. 2 which illustrates still another embodiment of the present invention. This e.. bodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the component parts thereof which are identical are designated by the same numerals.

The embodiment of FIG. 2 differs from that of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that it includes a body section 32-A provided with opening 192 that carries a removable threaded plug 1%. The outer end of plug 100 is provided with a flat sided recess for receiving the end of a flat sided wrench to facilitate removal and reinsertion of the plug. The interior of the section 3Z-A is substantially filled with a quantity of small weights, preferably in the form of lead shot, which can be added to the interior of the hollow section 32-A to greatly increase the weight of the apparatus. It has been found that when the apparatus is weighted in this manner it does a more efflcient job of removing hardened or caked sediment from the bottom of a conduit through which the apparatus is being drawn.

The apparatus of PEG. 2 includes a plurality of edged members, 50-C, Sit-D, and Sit-E, which include base flange portions 105 which are inserted into a slot cut through the wall of section 32-A and are firmly secured in the slot by a weld 106.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 3 through 5 which illustrate a modified apparatus wherein the cutter members Sit-C through Sit-E are relatively large as compared to a slender body section 32-B. In FIGS. 3-5 the configuration of one of the edged members Sit-C is shown in enlarged detail. Cutter 'a'ti-C includes a horizontal flange 112 and a vertical flange 114 that form a sharpened vertical leading edge 115 and a blunt horizontal leading edge 116. The outer edge 117 and trailing edge 118 of vertical flange 114 are also beveled and sharpened to form cutting edges.

The trailing edge 12% of horizontal flange 112 is blunt.

Horizontal flange 112 includes an unsharpened but pointed trailing edge 12%, the point 1226 serving to pierce roots and the like for the purpose of gripping and dislodging same when the apparatus is drawn through a conduit in a rearward direction, i.e. in a direction opposite from the direction indicated by the arrow in FIGS. 3-5.

It should be pointed out that the piercing dislodging action is accomplished by pointed trailing edges 120 after the cutting forward motion is done with the sharpened leading edges 115.

As seen in FIGS. 3-5 the under surface of horizontal flange 112 lies in a plane tangent to hollow section 32-B such that the leading edge 116 and the trailing edge 120 are spaced outwardly from the wall of hollow member 32-13. This spacing effectively positions leading edge 115 outwardly from the side wall of the apparatus Whereby said leading edge 115' can more effectively perform its cutting action when the apparatus is moved forwardly in a direction indicated by the arrow.

The apparatus can more effectively be utilized in re moving roots and outer debris, by pulling the apparatus rearwardly through a conduit, i.e. in a direction opposite to the forward direction indicated by the arrow, whereby the rearwardly facing point 126, being spaced from the side wall of the apparatus, can more effectively pierce and grip the object to be dislodged and removed.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5 base flange portion 105 is secured to the inner wall of horizontal section 32-13 by a weld 124.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 6-13 which illustrate modified blade portions 218-A, ZIS-B, and ZlS-C.

Blade 218-A includes inserts 244 and 246 that are formed of relatively hard material such as tungsten carbide or the like, said insert being secured to the main i blade portion at a junction 248 by welding or other suitable attaching means.

The modified blade portion 218-8 includes coatings 25d and 252 of tungsten carbide or other suitable hard metal.

Modified blade portion Zia-C is formed with forwardly and rearwardly extending notches 254 and 256 which form points 258, 26%), 252, and 264 which points serve to pierce and chip away certain types of obstructing materials encountered in the cleaning of conduits.

It should be pointed out that underground conduits in the vicinity of cement plants on occasion become clogged with hard deposits of cement particles carried into the conduits by rain water. Such hard deposits are of course quite diflicult to cut away and dislodge and the blade portions 218-A and ZllS-B are particularly suited for handling jobs of this nature.

Reference is next made to H68. 12 and 13 which illustrate still another blade construction indicated generally at 3%. The blade is mounted to a body portion indicated generally at Mitt-C, the Wall of which includes tapered holes 392 and 394 for receiving cap screws 3% and 303 which attach a curved base flange 312 and a stiffener flange 314 to the outer surface of body portion.

The attachment of cutter 380 to body portion Nil-C is strengthened by a tapered pin 316 that is driven into a tapered hole 313 in the body portion. Pin 316 is welded to the bottom of blade 3% and the blade 390 includes a flat top portion 329 that provides a striking surface for a hammer when pin 316 is being driven into place.

Cutter 390 includes sharpened leading edge 324 for cutting loose obstructions from the inner surface of a conduit and flange 314- includes a piercing portion 326 on its trailing edge for piercing, gripping, and dislodging obstructions in the manner previously described in connection with cutter SQ-C of FIGS. 3-5.

In view of the above it will be understood that flange 314 serves as a mounting base, a stiffener, and a piercing member.

While the forms of embodiments of the present invention as herein disclosed constitute preferred forms, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for clearing obstructions in passageways comprising, in combination, frame means; a first plurality of radially outwardly extending front cutters mounted on said frame means and inclined to impart rotation to said tool; a second plurality of radially outwardly extending cutters mounted on said frame means rearwardly of said first plurality, and inclined to impart rotation to said tool, the leading portions of said rearwardly positioned cutters being circumferentially advanced relative to said front cutters, in the direction of rotation of said tool, whereby said front cutters can not block said leading portions of said rearwardly positioned cutters from directly engaging obstructions; and means on said frame means for connecting said apparatus to a prime mover for moving said apparatus through said passageways.

2. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said cutters include cutting edges formed by beveled surfaces lying in planes substantially coextensive with the longitudinal axis of said frame means.

3. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said frame means forms a chamber and includes an opening; a closure in said opening; and a plurality of weights in said chamber.

4. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein certain of said cutters include stiffener flanges inclined outwardly from said frame means and including pointed ends for piercing and thereby gripping obstructions to be moved along and out of said passageway.

5. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said cutters include leading edges provided with hard coated outer tips.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 6 Green July 9, 1918 Burns Mar. 12, 1935 Condra June 19, 196-2 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain Apr. 17, 1907 Great Britain Apr. 17, 1907 Norway Nov. 7, 1932 

1. AN APPARATUS FOR CLEARING OBSTRUCTIONS IN PASSAGEWAYS COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, FRAME MEANS; A FIRST PLURALITY OF RADIALLY OUTWARDLY EXTENDING FRONT CUTTERS MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME MEANS AND INCLINED TO IMPART ROTATION TO SAID TOOL; A SECOND PLURALITY OF RADIALLY OUTWARDLY EXTENDING CUTTERS MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME MEANS REARWARDLY OF SAID FIRST PLURALITY, AND INCLINED TO IMPART ROTATION TO SAID TOOL, THE LEADING PORTIONS OF SAID REARWARDLY POSITIONED CUTTERS BEING CIRCUMFERENTIALLY ADVANCED RELATIVE TO SAID FRONT CUTTERS, IN THE DIRECTION OF ROTATION OF SAID TOOL, WHEREBY SAID FRONT CUTTERS CAN NOT BLOCK SAID LEADING PORTIONS OF SAID REARWARDLY POSITIONED CUTTERS FROM DIRECTLY ENGAGING OBSTRUCTIONS; AND MEANS ON SAID FRAME MEANS FOR CONNECTING SAID APPARATUS TO A PRIME MOVER FOR MOVING SAID APPARATUS THROUGH SAID PASSAGEWAYS. 